How Common Are Arrests for Prostitution or Solicitation in Texas?

 Posted on December 27, 2025 in Sex Crimes

Law enforcement agencies in Texas have taken steps to arrest people who are involved in the commercial sex trade. With an increased focus on combating human trafficking, people may be arrested for prostitution or solicitation offenses. In some cases, ordinary people may find themselves facing serious criminal charges based on a single mistake in judgment.

These offenses may be considered to be sex crimes, and they can result in penalties that could affect a person’s freedom and reputation. Because of the serious consequences, anyone who has been arrested will want to make sure they are represented by an attorney who has experience defending clients against prostitution offenses.

Texas Prostitution Arrest Statistics

Prostitution and solicitation arrests occur regularly throughout Texas. In some cases, law enforcement officials conduct high-profile operations meant to fight human trafficking. For example, in an undercover sting operation that took place in November 2025, police in Fort Worth arrested 20 men for soliciting prostitution. According to statistics released by the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were 972 arrests for prostitution in 2024, and 1,333 people were arrested for solicitation of prostitution that same year.

How Does Texas Law Define Prostitution and Solicitation?

In Texas, prostitution and solicitation of prostitution are treated as separate offenses. Prostitution is defined under Texas Penal Code Section 43.02. A person could be charged with prostitution if they are accused of offering to provide sexual services in exchange for payment or making an agreement to receive money or something else of value in exchange for sexual activity. The law does not require sexual conduct to actually occur, and a person could face criminal charges even if money does not actually change hands. Simply offering or agreeing to receive payment for sexual conduct is sufficient to support a prostitution charge.

Solicitation of prostitution is defined under Texas Penal Code Section 43.021. A person could be charged with this offense if they offer or agree to pay a fee to someone in exchange for sexual conduct with that person or with someone else. This offense applies to buyers rather than sellers of sexual services.

Why Are Penalties for Solicitation More Severe Than for Prostitution?

Texas laws punish those who pay for sex more harshly than those who provide it. This is due to lawmakers’ view that demand drives the prostitution market and that some people who are engaged in prostitution may be victims of trafficking or coercion.

Under the current laws, prostitution is a misdemeanor in most cases. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A second prostitution offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. A third or subsequent offense may lead to state jail felony charges.

Solicitation penalties are more severe. A first-time solicitation offense is a state jail felony. This means that even someone with no criminal history could be sentenced to between 180 days and two years in a state jail facility, and they may face a fine of up to $10,000. A second solicitation offense will usually be charged as a third-degree felony, and the potential sentence may range from two to 10 years in prison.

How Do Law Enforcement Agencies Conduct Prostitution Sting Operations?

Many prostitution and solicitation arrests in Texas occur after planned sting operations. These may include online stings in which law enforcement officers create profiles on escort websites, dating apps, classified ad sites, and social media platforms. They may pose as a person who is offering sexual services and wait for people to contact them. Once a conversation establishes an agreement to exchange money for sexual conduct, the officer will arrange a meeting location. When the person arrives, they will be arrested.

Some operations may use in-person tactics. Undercover officers may pose as prostitutes in areas known for such activity, or they may approach potential buyers in hotels, bars, or other locations. These face-to-face encounters follow similar patterns, with officers waiting for targets to make statements indicating that they wish pay for sexual conduct before making an arrest.

What Defense Strategies May Be Available in Prostitution Cases?

Whether a person has been charged with prostitution or solicitation, it will be important to put forth an effective defense. Several potential defense strategies may be available depending on the specific facts of a case.

Lack of intent or agreement is one of the most common defenses used in prostitution cases. To convict a person of prostitution or solicitation, prosecutors must prove that they knowingly offered or agreed to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for payment. If communications between the parties were ambiguous, if a person never explicitly agreed to pay money, or if a person reasonably believed that they were arranging a legitimate date, these facts may create reasonable doubt about whether prostitution occurred.

Entrapment may be a valid defense when law enforcement officers cause someone to engage in a crime that they would not have committed on their own. An entrapment defense may be used to show that law enforcement used persuasion, coercion, threats, or other means to cause a person to commit a prostitution or solicitation offense. A person may show that they were not predisposed to commit the offense and that officers went beyond merely providing an opportunity to commit the crime.

It may be possible to show that there is insufficient evidence and challenge the strength of the prosecution's case. Text messages may be unclear or ambiguous. Surveillance footage may not clearly show what occurred. Witness testimony may be inconsistent. If the prosecution cannot prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, this may result in a dismissal of charges.

Contact Our Weatherford Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Attorney

After an arrest for prostitution or solicitation, immediate legal representation is critical. The penalties for these offenses and the aggressive enforcement tactics used by Texas law enforcement agencies make it essential to work with an attorney who understands these cases and who knows how to challenge the evidence against you.

At Soraya Joslin, P.C., our Parker County prostitution defense lawyer understands the defense strategies that are most likely to be successful in these cases. With our help, you can challenge the evidence and defend against a conviction. Call 817-599-7005 today to set up a free consultation and learn how our attorney can help you protect your rights and your future.